The summerholiday in Norway do not really fit with the trekking season in Nepal, as I already have tried before. On my first trek I found myself in the jungle of Myagdi, covered in leeches. I knew, I wanted to go back to Nepal, but I knew as well, I never wanted to leech-rain-mud-experience again.
The decision was easy, Upper Mustang - in the rainshadows of the mighty himalayan mountains. A forbidden kingdom sounded like a mystique adventure. Good communication with Tika Regmi from Amigo trek during the booking process speeded things up and a rainy afternoon, I arrived in Kathmandu.
A short citytour to well known places and the next day, the adventure startet comfotable in a tourist bus. The onward journey to Jomsom was more adventurous in a Jeep, as we drove at least 2 hours in darkness - without lights. And then the actual trek started. We walked along Khali Gandaki River from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entrance to Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang is a high country desert with small patches of green around settlements. We walked in a good pace, stopped for lunch, where I was invited to join the family in the kitchen. One teahouse owner taught me how to form momo, the famous (and delicious tibetan dumplings).
During the trek we wet over several passes, the highest at 4230m. The sun was shining every single day and Nilgiri greeted us now and then. The landscape is incredible, the rockformation everchanging and you never know what to expect around the next corner. For sure, there is more of the amazing landscape. In almost every settlement, there was a monastery worth visiting. The monks were more than happy to show me around, explain their treasures and share their knowledge. In Chhosar, the village just north of Lo Manthang, we were invited to join the morning service in the cave monastery. The chanting monks and the incredible atmosphere made this an experience for lifetime.
On the way back to Jomsom, I got the chance to visit another special monastery. Also build in a cave with a natural Stupa that still is growing. The one monk living there opened his treasure with an amazing hospitality and we ended up sitting in magnificent surroundings and enjoyinng a good conversation.
Upper Mustang is definitely worth a visit, words are not enough to describe the mystique atmosphere in several places. The nature has to be seen, to been experienced to be believed.Thank you Amigo team for making my trip so special and dafanately recomend to my friends who come to Nepal.
With 3 friends we trek up the Tsum Valley supported by our guide Dawa and porters Shambu and Anil… a fantastic trip. Beautiful, fascinating,
